5 Winter Powersport Maintenance Projects you Can DIY
When you play hard on your side by side, or ATV or any other powersport vehicle, you need to make sure to do proper maintenance to keep it going.
Yeah, there’s snow on the ground, so you may be excited to explore the winter’s landscape, but you should also save some time to do the checkup on your ride.
GET READY FOR WARMER WEATHER
It might seem far off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about getting your ride(s) ready for spring and summer. Here’s a few things to consider.
CHECK THE FUEL
The worst thing that can happen to your ATV’s fuel is for water to build up during the colder months. Any water in the fuel tank will wreck your summer plans faster than anything.
KEEP THE BATTERY ALIVE
Cold weather can drain any vehicle’s battery, especially a battery that sits idle all season, unlike your car or truck. Hooking your battery up to a trickle charger or battery tender will help keep the charge going without having to start up your ride.
OIL IT UP
You’ll want a more lightweight oil in your ride while it’s sitting idle in storage during the colder months. When it’s blazing hot out you need a heavier oil, so it makes sense that in the winter you’d need a lighter one. It’ll help keep your engine well-lubricated while you wait for it to warm up outside.
FILTER IT OUT
The air filter is one of the simplest things to fix, but one that we may not think about until you’re trying to get your ATV to turn over and the engine starts flooding. Your ride needs to breathe, and if their filter is still clogged with last season’s dirt, it’s going to have a hard time. Switch it out with a fresh one.
COOLANT IT
Yes, it’s cold outside and possibly in your shed or garage where you’ve stored your ride, but your engine still needs coolant. Check the coolant for effective range and if it’s been over two years since you changed it, now’s a great time to do so.
SIDE BY SIDES
You probably did proper pre-winter maintenance on your side by side (we just know it), but just as a refresher, here’s a few things to check out now that you’ve been taking your ride out for a while.
Install proper tires or tracks: your side by side needs tires with good tread, or even tracks for better snow traction. If you already have snow tires, just ensure that they are not worn down and still have enough tread on them.
Make sure all lights are working: it is important to always have working lights, especially in snowy conditions. This will ensure people can always see you even in foggy conditions. If you need additional lighting, it is advisable to install more lights.
Check brakes, steering, and suspension: these checks are great for general maintenance, however, even more so in snowy conditions, to increase the level of control you have over your ride.
Clean off the gunk: don’t leave any mud or gunk on your ride; dirt, grime, and salt can wear down your side by side and won’t let it run as smoothly as it could. Wash it whenever you see build up to stop any wear and tear before it starts.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you’re looking at getting a head start on your ATV, dirt bike, or side by side maintenance, we at Throttle Powersports can help get you on the right track. We’ve got the parts you’ll need and can even do the maintenance for you!
Call us at (343) 633-0462 to find out more!
